Mission Solar Panels has gained notable popularity for providing high-efficiency, top-quality solar panels, proudly made in the U.S.A. Their solar panels come at an attractive price point, retailing at $2.45 per watt, which is quite competitive in the market.
In this article, we will go deeper into the specifics of Mission solar panels, comparing them with other brands in the market. This comparison aims to assist you in determining whether Mission’s solar panels are the right choice for your home.
Key Points
- Company Profile: Mission Solar, established in 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, is known for its American made panels with adherence to high manufacturing standards and compliance with U.S. regulations.
- Product Lines: They offer two main lines: MSE PERC 66 and MSE PERC 72, featuring p-type monocrystalline cells with efficiency ratings between 18% and 19.9%.
- Performance and Durability: The panels have a power tolerance of -0/+3%, high PTC ratings for real-world conditions, and are built to endure various environmental stresses.
- Warranty Details: Mission Solar provides a 25-year production warranty and a 12-year product warranty, with a slightly higher than average annual degradation rate of 0.7%.
- Cost and Customer Satisfaction: Their panels are competitively priced ($0.60 to $0.70 per watt before installation) and have received positive customer feedback.
Who is Mission Solar?
Mission Solar Energy, established in 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, has quickly risen to prominence in the solar energy sector. It’s the fourth-largest manufacturing company in San Antonio, having a workforce of over 400 local employees.
The company’s foundation in the United States ensures compliance with both the Buy American Act and the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. An additional advantage for Mission Solar is the exemption of their modules from the import tariffs under Section 201, introduced during Trump’s administration.
Pride in their Texan roots is a key aspect of Mission Solar’s identity, along with their commitment to maintaining high manufacturing standards. To ensure quality, all incoming raw materials undergo thorough inspection to prevent any damage to the cells before the assembly of modules begins. This vigilance extends throughout the manufacturing process with multiple inspections of cells and modules.
In addition to their internal quality checks, Mission Solar engages in third-party testing of their panels to evaluate performance under various conditions. Their products have found applications across residential, commercial, and utility projects, showcasing their versatility and reliability in the solar energy market.
Mission Solar Products
Mission Solar Energy provides a diverse array of solar panels suitable for both grid-tied and off-grid solar setups. A key feature of all Mission modules is their use of p-type monocrystalline solar cells.
Their product range is categorized into two main lines – the MSE PERC 66 Series, and the MSE PERC 72 Series.
MSE PERC 66 Black Modules
These panels offer power outputs ranging from 390 watts (W) to 400 W. Designed with a sleek all-black appearance, they ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for the solar array.
MSE PERC 72 Modules
This series is particularly favored for larger-scale commercial and utility projects. Differing from the MSE PERC 66, these panels consist of 72 solar cells, making them significantly larger than other models offered by Mission. This larger size translates to higher power outputs, with the PERC 72 series delivering between 425 W and 435 W.
Each series in Mission’s lineup is tailored to meet specific installation needs, whether for residential, commercial, or utility-scale solar projects, offering efficient and aesthetically pleasing solar solutions.
Mission Solar Panel Specifications
When evaluating Mission Solar Energy’s panels, it’s essential to see how they measure up against other options in the solar panel market. We will examine the specifications of Mission Solar panels in detail and compare them to the general standards prevalent in the solar industry. This comparison will provide a clearer understanding of their performance, efficiency, and value relative to other solar panels available to consumers.
| Specification | MSE PERC 66 | SE PERC 72 |
| Power output | 390 W – 400 W | 425 W – 435 W |
| Efficiency rating | 19.4% – 19.9% | 18.3% – 19.8% |
| Cell type | P-type monocrystalline | P-type monocrystalline |
| Power tolerance | -0 ~ +3% | -0 ~ +3% |
| Warranty | 25-year linear warranty | 25-year linear warranty |
In terms of efficiency, Mission Solar modules align well with the broader industry benchmarks. Their modules exhibit efficiency ratings that span from 18% to 19.9%.
Although Mission Solar panels may not be the topmost in efficiency compared to all available options, they are certainly among the higher levels of average solar panel efficiency. This enhanced efficiency owes significantly to the inclusion of nine busbars in their mono-PERC cells, a design that facilitates increased electron flow through each solar cell.
The power tolerance rating of a solar panel indicates the potential variance in power output compared to its rated capacity under “Standard Test Conditions” (STC). A narrower power tolerance range implies greater accuracy of the panel’s rated power capacity.
Mission Solar modules have a power tolerance range of -0/+3%. This means that a Mission Solar panel will always operate at least at its rated capacity and can potentially perform up to 3% above this capacity. For instance, a 300 W rated Mission Solar panel could operate between 300 W and 309 W (which is 3% more than 300 W) under STC, but it will never fall below 300 W.
A -0% lower tolerance limit is advantageous for solar system performance as it suggests the panels will likely perform robustly under real-world conditions. Additionally, this characteristic points to a high-quality and reliable manufacturing process.
PTC Ratings
Solar panel specification sheets typically show performance under Standard Test Conditions (STC) in a laboratory setting. These conditions include a cell temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, solar irradiance of 1000 watts per square meter, and an air mass of 1.5. However, it’s rare for solar panels to operate under these exact conditions in real life.
PTC (PVUSA Test Conditions) ratings come into play here. They are conducted by independent laboratories to assess solar panel performance under more realistic conditions, such as higher temperatures, varying wind speeds, and reduced sunlight.
A high PTC rating indicates that a solar panel will function more effectively under real-world conditions compared to panels with lower PTC ratings. Mission Solar stands out in this regard, having the highest PTC ratings among American-made solar modules, even surpassing premium brands like Sunpower.
In terms of durability, Mission Solar modules are designed to endure higher pressures, making them particularly suited for areas with heavy snow or debris. Their ratings for fire, hail, and salt mist resistance align with industry standards, further demonstrating their reliability and strength in various environmental conditions.
Mission Solar Warranties
Mission Solar offers a comprehensive warranty that includes both a 25-year linear production guarantee and a 12-year product warranty.
The product warranty assures that the solar panels will be defect-free for 12 years, provided they are correctly installed and used. This warranty can be extended to 25 years if the panels are registered online with Mission Solar after installation.
The production warranty details how the output of the solar panels will diminish over time. In the first year, a Mission Solar panel’s production will not decrease by more than 3.0%. From the second year onwards, the annual reduction in panel production will not exceed 0.7%. By the end of the 25th year, the panel is guaranteed to perform at no less than 80.20% of its initial power capacity.
While the assurance of no more than 0.7% annual degradation from Mission Solar is commendable, it is slightly higher than the industry norm. Most solar panels experience a degradation rate closer to 0.5%, and some even have lower rates around 0.3%. Consequently, over the years, Mission Solar panels might degrade quicker and produce less energy compared to other solar panels in the market.
Cost of Mission Solar Panels
Mission Solar panels are priced competitively, particularly given their high-efficiency ratings.
Before accounting for installation costs, Mission panels are typically priced between $0.60 and $0.70 per watt. In comparison, other solar panels with similar efficiency levels, like certain Panasonic HIT panels and LG NeOn panels, are priced around $1.00 per watt. This represents a significant saving of nearly $0.40 per watt for panels with comparable specifications.
Including professional installation, the overall cost for Mission Solar panels averages around $2.45 per watt. This is slightly below the national average cost of $3.00 per watt for solar installations as of January 2023.
Therefore, a 6 kW solar system from Mission Solar would cost approximately $14,700 before applying the federal tax credit. With the 30% tax credit, the cost would reduce to about $10,290.
However, it’s important to note that the actual cost of installing Mission Solar panels can vary. Factors influencing the price include the size of the solar system, the choice of installer, and the specific Mission Solar modules selected for installation.
Should I Purchase Mission Solar Panels?
Mission Solar modules, while not boasting the highest efficiency ratings or the most extraordinary power outputs, represent a solid choice for homeowners considering solar energy.
The rigorous manufacturing process, which includes multiple inspections and third-party testing, ensures that Mission Solar provides high-quality solar panel systems at a reasonable cost.
One potential concern is the slightly higher degradation rate mentioned in their warranty. However, the panels’ superior performance under real-world conditions somewhat mitigates this issue, making the increased degradation rate less significant.
Let 8MSolar Help You Decide
At 8MSolar, we have a team of solar experts committed to helping you install your dream solar system. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the solar panel brand options, let 8MSolar be your guide and help you find the best fit for your home.
